On March 23, 1865, two days after the battle of Bentonville, William T. Sherman takes the time to write a letter to his wife Eleanor Boyle Ewing. From his headquarters in Goldsboro, North Carolina, Sherman knows that the war is drawing to a close, but he cannot know that his days as a fighting general are over as Joe Johnston’s army will surrender in less than a month. When ‘Cump’ formally asked for Ellen’s hand in marriage, she accepted on the condition that he become a civilian and a Catholic. He never did either one. And in in Washingtonian society many felt that Ellen was wasting her “matrimonial chances” by throwing herself upon “an unknown lieutenant.” They have spent much of their marriage apart, even when it was not necessary, but will end up having eight children (six survive to adulthood). Although Sherman was well known for “flirting with young ladies,” there has never been verifiable proof he was unfaithful during their separations.
Dearest Ellen,
I got here today and all the army will be in by tomorrow. Thus have I brought the army from Savannah in good order, beaten the enemy wherever he attempted to oppose our progress, and made junction with [Generals] Scofield and Terry…one day later than I had appointed before leaving Savannah. It is far more difficult and important than the Savannah march. Besides the immediate results we have forced the Rebels to abandon the whole sea coast. I almost fear the consequences of the reputation this will give me among military men….I will be here some weeks. I should see Grant before assuming the offensive and think he will come down. I could have time to run to Washington, but prefer to stay with my troops. It gives me great power with them to share the days and nights. I always encamped and am now in a shaky fly, open, with houses all around occupied by Rebels or staff officers.
I have no doubt that you will be sufficiently gratified to know that I have eminently succeeded in this last venture, and will trust to luck that in the next still more hazardous I will be again favored. I don’t believe anything has intended more to break the pride of the South, than my steady persistent progress. My army is dirty ragged and Saucy…. I would like to march this army through New York just as it appears today, with its wagons, pack mules, cattle niggers and bummers, and I think they would make a more attractive show than your fair…. I will write when more at leisure I am now writing whilst a latter for grant is being copied to go off by a special Courier. Yrs. Ever,
W. T. S.